Oregon Gains Jobs, But More Are Unemployed

Oregon's jobless rate has increased to almost 9 percent. The state Employment Department said Tuesday the unemployment rate for August was 8.9 percent - up from 8.7 percent in July and 8.5 percent in June.

Seven of the 10 major private-sector industries posted seasonally adjusted gains of at least 600 jobs, while none showed a loss. Construction employment jumped more than expected, and record-low interest rates led to more work at mortgage brokers.

One loser was government. It shed 800 jobs in August, double the expected seasonal decline.